The Ash Walks: Marcus Coates and Fiona Macdonald

About

The ash tree is the most common tree in the Kent Downs but in 2012, ash dieback (caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) was discovered in the U.K. and the disease has rapidly spread. Ash dieback is untreatable and could see the demise of up to 98% of these trees over the next decade.

The Ash Project is a cultural response to ash dieback, asking how we might mark and celebrate ash trees. In 2018, The Ash Project is working in partnership with Whitstable Biennale to present a series of artists’ walks. Curator Rose Thompson has devised four walks in collaboration with artists, encouraging different ways of looking at and exploring the landscape in Kent.

The fourth and final walk in the 2018 Ash Walk series will be hosted by artists Marcus Coates and Fiona Macdonald. Taking place in Folkestone, this participatory walk will extend upon the artists' 'Ask The Wild' project held at Whitechapel Gallery (London) in February 2018 in which the artists asked: If birds could offer advice on human problems, what would they say? The project also examined entrenched issues and thorny problems found in nature and, during this walk, unexpected pathways of creative thinking found in nature and everyday life, will be opened up.

The walk is free and open to all to attend, but as spaces are limited, we recommend booking in advance. Please note, this walk will be approximately two hours long and will take place through uneven countryside terrain. For any queries, please email info@whitstablebiennale.com.

This is the fourth of a series of artists’ walks taking place in 2018. With thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Kent County Council, and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Image: Axis Mundi, Marcus Coates. Courtesy: the artist.